What HVAC Technicians Actually Do (And Why Demand Is Growing)

If you’re considering a career change or looking for stable work that doesn’t require a four-year degree, HVAC is worth a serious look. The pay is solid, the demand is real, and the work isn’t going overseas.

But what does an HVAC technician actually do? And is the “skills shortage” you keep hearing about genuine, or just industry hype?

Also See: What Does a Solar Installer Do?

What Is an HVAC Technician?

HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. Technicians in this field install, maintain, and repair the systems that keep buildings comfortable. That includes everything from home furnaces and air conditioners to commercial rooftop units and industrial climate control systems.

The job has changed significantly over the past decade. Today’s HVAC technician is part mechanic, part electrician, and increasingly part IT specialist. Modern systems include digital controls, smart thermostats, and components that connect to building networks. The work still rewards mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills, but it also requires comfort with technology.

This isn’t just “fixing air conditioners.” It’s managing complex environmental systems that buildings depend on year-round.

What the Job Involves Day-to-Day

Most people have never watched an HVAC technician work. Here’s what a typical day looks like.

Core Responsibilities

Diagnostics and troubleshooting. When a system fails, your job is to figure out why. Modern techs use digital manifolds, thermal imaging cameras, and diagnostic software to identify refrigerant leaks, electrical failures, and airflow problems. Every broken system is a puzzle to solve.

Installation and retrofitting. You’ll install new equipment: furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps, air handlers, and ductwork. Increasingly, this means working with high-efficiency systems and “smart” components that integrate with building automation. Heat pump installations are a growing part of the work as more homeowners and businesses switch from gas heating to electric.

Maintenance and repair. Seasonal tune-ups keep systems running efficiently. Emergency repairs happen when systems fail, often at inconvenient times. You’ll replace worn components, recharge the refrigerant, clean the coils, and keep the equipment running.

Regulatory compliance. HVAC technicians handle refrigerants, which are federally regulated. You’re responsible for proper recovery and disposal under EPA Section 608 requirements.

Customer interaction. You’ll spend time explaining system options to homeowners, discussing efficiency ratings, and helping customers understand what they’re paying for. Good communication skills matter.

A Growth Area: Indoor Air Quality

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, demand for indoor air quality (IAQ) work has increased significantly. This includes installing and maintaining UV-C air purifiers, HEPA filtration systems, humidifiers, and ventilation upgrades. Technicians trained in IAQ systems have skills that employers want.

The Physical Reality

This is physical work. You should know that going in.

You’ll lift heavy equipment, crawl through attics and crawl spaces, climb ladders, and work in tight spots. Some days you’ll be in a 130-degree attic in July. Other days, you’ll be in an unheated basement in January.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, HVAC technicians have higher injury and illness rates than the average for all occupations. The most common issues are strains from lifting, burns, and cuts. Safety training matters.

Some jobs are emergencies. Customers whose heat dies in February or whose AC fails during a heat wave need help now, not Monday morning. Evening and weekend calls are part of the job, especially early in your career.

This isn’t meant to discourage you. It’s meant to give you an accurate picture. If you’re comfortable with physical work and variable conditions, this is a trade that pays well and offers real job security.

Why Demand Is Surging

You’ve probably heard there’s a shortage of skilled tradespeople. In HVAC, that shortage is real, and it’s getting worse.

The Workforce Is Aging Out

According to the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA), the average HVAC technician is approximately 55 years old. A significant portion of the current workforce is approaching retirement.

Industry estimates suggest roughly 25,000 HVAC technicians leave the workforce annually through retirement, career changes, or other reasons. The estimated nationwide shortage of qualified technicians is approximately 110,000.

For every experienced technician who retires, there aren’t enough trained replacements entering the field. That’s the core of the shortage.

Construction Needs Workers

The broader construction industry faces the same problem, and HVAC is part of that picture.

According to Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), the construction sector will need 499,000 additional workers by 2026 to meet demand. That’s up from 439,000 needed in 2025. Deloitte’s 2026 Engineering and Construction Industry Outlook projects that the shortage of skilled craft professionals could exceed two million by 2028 if current trends continue.

Every new building needs HVAC systems. Homes, offices, factories, data centers. Someone has to install them. The rise of AI and cloud computing is also driving demand for data centers, which require specialized, high-intensity cooling systems. Data center work is a niche within HVAC that pays significantly more than residential work.

Heat Pumps Are Driving Demand

There’s a nationwide push toward high-efficiency electric heat pumps for heating and cooling. Heat pumps are significantly more efficient than gas furnaces. For every unit of electricity they consume, they can deliver three to five units of heat. That makes them one of the most efficient heating options available, according to the International Energy Agency.

The numbers reflect the trend. The global heat pump market is growing at 9.5% annually, according to Grand View Research. In the United States, heat pump sales jumped 15% in 2024, with a 30% increase in the second half of the year alone, per the IEA’s Global Energy Review 2025.

What does this mean for technicians? More installation work, more retrofit work, and employers looking for people trained on these systems.

The A2L Refrigerant Transition

The HVAC industry is transitioning to new refrigerants, creating immediate demand for trained technicians.

Under the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act, the EPA is phasing down hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants such as R-410A due to their high global warming potential. The replacement refrigerants, classified as A2L, have a lower environmental impact but require updated handling procedures.

The timeline is already in motion:

• As of January 1, 2025, manufacturers can no longer produce new equipment using R-410A
• New systems installed after January 1, 2026, must use A2L refrigerants
• Technicians need specific training to work safely with A2L refrigerants, which have low flammability characteristics

This transition means a massive amount of work: servicing and eventually replacing existing systems, and installing new A2L-compliant equipment. Technicians trained in A2L handling will be more valuable than those who aren’t.

Why HVAC Is Part of the Clean Energy Economy

You may or may not care about “clean energy” as a concept. But here’s the practical reality: energy efficiency is where the jobs are.

In Illinois, energy efficiency is the largest clean energy employment sector. Over 86,700 workers, representing about two-thirds of all clean energy jobs in the state, according to Clean Jobs Midwest. Most of those jobs are HVAC-related: installing high-efficiency systems, heat pumps, and building upgrades.

The work is the same whether you call it “HVAC” or “clean energy.” High-efficiency heating and cooling systems reduce energy consumption and lower utility bills. That’s why customers want them and why there’s demand for technicians who can install and service them.

The Illinois Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) recognizes HVAC as a clean energy career pathway. That’s why training programs like the one offered through Man-Tra-Con include HVAC as a specialization track.

You don’t need to be an environmentalist to work in this field. You just need to recognize that efficient systems are what the market demands.

What You Can Earn

These figures come from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, based on May 2024 data.

Median annual wage: $59,810

That’s the midpoint. Half of HVAC technicians earn more, half earn less.

Entry-level (bottom 10%): Approximately $39,130

Experienced and specialized (top 10%): $91,020 and above

Overtime is common in this field, especially during peak seasons. When it’s 95 degrees in July and air conditioners are failing across town, there’s more work than technicians to do it. Same when furnaces die in January.

What Affects Your Earnings

Certifications matter. Technicians with credentials like NATE (North American Technician Excellence) certification often command higher wages, particularly in competitive markets. The certification demonstrates competency and can make you more attractive to employers.

Specialization pays. Commercial and industrial HVAC work typically pays more than residential. Data center cooling is a premium niche.

Experience compounds. Wages increase with years in the field. Senior technicians with deep expertise are valuable.

Union membership can boost wages and benefits, depending on your location and employer.

Self-employment is an option for experienced technicians. Many HVAC professionals eventually start their own businesses.

Where Wages Are Heading

Wages in HVAC are rising faster than the broader labor market because employers are competing for scarce workers. Industry projections suggest continued upward pressure on pay:

These are industry estimates based on current wage trends and labor market conditions, not guaranteed figures. Actual wages in Southern Illinois may vary.

Required Certifications and Training

Required by Law: EPA 608 Certification

If you’re going to work with refrigerants, and you will, you need EPA 608 certification. This is federal law under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act.

The certification covers safe handling, recovery, and disposal of refrigerants. There are four types:

• Type I: Small appliances (under 5 pounds of refrigerant)
• Type II: High-pressure systems (most residential and commercial AC)
• Type III: Low-pressure systems (large chillers)
• Universal: All of the above

Universal certification is the most versatile. To earn it, you must pass a proctored exam administered by an EPA-approved testing organization. The credential does not expire upon earning it, though you’ll need additional training as the industry transitions to A2L refrigerants.

The CEJA program prepares you for this exam and includes the certification as part of the training.

Standard Industry Credentials

OSHA 10: Basic occupational safety training. Most employers require it.

First Aid/CPR: Often required, always useful.

Valuable Additional Certifications

NATE (North American Technician Excellence): The industry’s most recognized credential. It demonstrates competency and can increase your earnings.

Manufacturer-specific certifications: Training on specific equipment brands, often offered by manufacturers or distributors.

A2L refrigerant handling: Becoming essential as the industry transitions. Technicians with this training are ahead of the curve.

Training Timeline

Most HVAC training programs run six months to two years, depending on depth and format. Apprenticeships combine classroom learning with paid on-the-job training.

The CEJA program in Southern Illinois runs 12 to 16 weeks and includes certifications. It’s a quicker way to get into the field with credentials in hand.

How to Get Started in Southern Illinois

If you live in Southern Illinois, there’s a direct path into HVAC training through Man-Tra-Con’s CEJA Workforce Hub.

What the Program Offers

Free training. No tuition, no cost for materials, no experience required.

HVAC specialization. The program includes dedicated training in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.

Industry-recognized certifications. You’ll earn EPA 608, OSHA 10, and First Aid/CPR credentials as part of the program.

Hands-on learning. Training combines classroom instruction with hands-on practice and worksite experience.

Program length. Most cohorts run 12 to 16 weeks, with classes meeting approximately four hours daily.

Support Services

CEJA recognizes that life doesn’t stop when you’re in training. The program provides support to help you complete the program successfully:

• Transportation assistance
• Childcare assistance
• Technology and equipment access
• Emergency bill payments
• Attendance-based stipends
• Tutoring and academic support

After Training: Job Placement

Completing training is just the first step. Man-Tra-Con’s team works directly with graduates to connect them with employers across the region.

Job placement assistance includes resume help, interview preparation, and direct employer connections. Support continues for 12 months after program completion.

Who Can Participate

The program prioritizes residents from R3 (Restore, Reinvest, Renew) communities and equity investment eligible populations, but the Man-Tra-Con CEJA program can help anyone in Southern Illinois. If you’re interested, reach out. The team will work with you to determine eligibility and identify the best path forward.

Counties served: Jackson, Williamson, Jefferson, Franklin, Perry, Saline, Union, Johnson, Massac, Pope, Hardin, Gallatin, White, Hamilton, Wayne, Edwards, Wabash, Pulaski, and Alexander.

What It Comes Down To

HVAC offers stable, well-paying work without a four-year degree. The demand is real. An aging workforce, a construction boom, heat pump adoption, and a refrigerant transition are all driving the need for trained technicians.

The work is physical and sometimes demanding. For people with mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills, this is a trade worth considering. Not sure if HVAC or solar is a better fit?

The industry needs workers now. The training is available. And in Southern Illinois, it’s free.

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Ready to learn more? Learn about the details of the CEJA program, or contact Man-Tra-Con to ask questions about upcoming training cohorts.